Homily on Cheese Fare Sunday. The Condition Prior to Entering the Holy Forty Days Fast

Beloved
brethren! We have already reached the very gates of the
holy fast! They are even now about to open before us!
Already, according to the typicon of the Holy Church,
we hear the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ read
to us today in the Holy Gospels about the correct way
to begin the podvig of fasting.

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, says the
Gospel reading for today, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their
trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses (Mt. 6:14–15). The holy Church greets
us with this announcement at the gates of the fast! This
is the requirement the Church offers us on the very
threshold of the spiritual chamber of repentance. We
intend to prove our repentance for various sinful
distractions through various deprivations and wearing out
of the body. The Gospels requires mercy from us before
sacrifice, so that the sacrifice would be pleasing to God.

All who wish to begin this podvig of fasting and
prayer, all who wish to reap abundant fruits of your
repentance! Hear the word of God, hear God's
commandment, and let go, forgive your neighbors their sins
against you. For if ye forgive men their
trespasses,your heavenly Father will also forgive
you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither
will your Father forgive your trespasses. Amen.